Lahore: An armed man damaged some memorabilia that were on display at the home of noted poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who played a key role in formation of Pakistan, police said on Monday.
The man, identified as Ghulam Abbas, was angry at officials, who denied entry to the `Iqbal Manzil`, as the visiting hours were over on Sunday.
The residence of Allama Iqbal later turned into a museum is in Sialkot of Punjab province.
Abbas then pulled out a gun and forced his way in.
After taking a staff hostage, he damaged photo frames, a huqqa, a pen and inkpot, a bed, wooden furniture and other items related to Iqbal and his family, officials said.
Riaz Hussain Naqvi, the official in-charge of the `Iqbal Manzil`, said Abbas also assaulted some of the staff and then fled.
He was later arrested by police. Sialkot district police chief Afzaal Ahmed Kausar said Abbas was being interrogated.
Police registered a case against the man, he said.
Federal Minister for National Regulation and Services Firdous Ashiq Awan, who hails from Sialkot, expressed concern at the incident and demanded stern legal action against Abbas.
PTI
